Sweden vs Kosovo Prediction: Hosts can profit from home clash

Uefa World Cup qualifying has not been going to plan for Sweden so far, having failed to win any of their opening three fixtures. They host Kosovo in Gothenburg on Monday (19:45 BST) in the hopes of turning their fortunes around.

Below you will find my Sweden vs Kosovo predictions, alongside the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Sweden are currently without veteran goalkeeper Robin Olsen because of a spat with boss Jon Dahl Tomasson.

The Malmo shot-stopper was left frustrated with the Danish coach, telling Aftonbladet in an explosive interview that he will not play for the national side until there is a change of leadership.

Stoke City’s Viktor Johansson took Olsen’s spot in recent internationals, and he is expected to remain unchallenged between the sticks on Monday.

On paper, the Swedes boast a frightening attacking lineup with Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres in the squad, though both have not had the positive impact expected of them in recent international matches

Roony Bardghji made a good impression when coming off the bench against Switzerland, and he might be considered for a start in this crunch clash.

Football Odds

Kosovo are without wide man Florian Haxha, who withdrew from the squad due to a health issue.

Mallorca front man Vedat Muriqi offers the biggest attacking threat for his side, having scored a record 32 international goals across 62 appearances.

Mergim Vojvoda, meanwhile, offers the most experience in the team, having earned a record 68th cap on Friday against Slovenia.

Today's Football Fixtures

Sweden vs Kosovo Odds

Sweden are perceived as the 3/10 favourites despite not winning any of their opening three qualifiers.

Kosovo's last outing was a draw with Slovenia and the stalemate is priced at 9/2, which has an implied probability of 18.2%. The visitors are 9/1 to collect the three points and their hosts have lost their last two matches.

Both teams to score is on offer at 1/1.

Sweden or draw and both teams to score @ 6/5

With a poor start to qualifying, and a player coming out publicly to question his leadership, there is no doubt that Tomasson is under pressure. This home game gives him the chance to gain some relief or for the situation to worsen.

As mentioned above, when you have two excellent forwards in Isak and Gyokeres, Sweden should not be struggling as much as they are, with just two goals in three games.

Pressure is on the hosts here because another defeat would see them six points adrift of their opponents in second, giving them a huge mountain to climb if they wish to compete at the World Cup finals next summer.

Kosovo have shown they are a tough team to face right now but Sweden and Tomasson need to give their supporters signs of life and conjure up a winning performance out of nothing.

A home fixture gives them the chance to do that but current form does not make this a confident selection. I think covering a draw as well seems only right, particularly with how well the visitors are performing.

I've added BTTS to the selection because Sweden's defence is fragile at the moment and Kosovo have players who can exploit such issues.

World Cup Odds

Alexander Isak anytime goalscorer @ 4/5

Sweden will turn to their star strikers for inspiration in this contest and I think at least one of them can answer the call. I think Isak could potentially be their hero on Monday given his unquestionable skillset,

Things have not been lining up for the Liverpool man on the international stage of but the Blagult need both him and Gyokeres to find their shooting boots as they are their two best hopes of turning their fortunes around.

Isak is still yet to really get going at Liverpool following his record move in the summer, and a goal here could benefit his return to Premier League action at the weekend.

Offers

Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down

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